Harla Journal of Health and Medical Science

Underweight and its Associated Factors Among Adults with Mental Disorders Attending at Public Health Facilities in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Hiwot Delelegn — 2023-06-30

Background: Mental disorder illness seldom increases nutrient requirements, but there are many reasons for high incidence of poor nutrition among mentally ill patients. Despite the high burden of mental disorder and nutritional problems, little research has been done on prevalence and associated factors of nutritional status among mental disorder in Eastern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to assess underweight status and associated factors among patients with mental disorder in Dire Dawa Health Facilities in 2023.

Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to assess the underweight status and associated factors among 364 randomly selected patients. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 24. Tables, chart graphs, and summary statistics were used to describe characteristics of sample data, while logistic regression was employed to assess factors associated with undernutrition among mental health disorder patients. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent variables that should be incorporated in the multivariable logistic regression at p<0.25. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to see the effect of independent variables on dependent variable at p<0.05.

Results: Among 364 mental disorder patients, 26.6% (95%CI: 22.20%, 31.50%) of patients were underweight. In the multivariable analysis, being female [AOR = 3.56, 95%CI: 1.19, 7.61], Unable to read and write [AOR = 6.72, 95%CI: 4.74, 11.28], rural residence area [AOR = 3.99, 95%CI: 1.60, 6.63] and low dietary [AOR = 4.49, 95%CI: 2.01, 8.34 and severe sleeping problem [AOR = 10.04 = 95%CI: 2.07, 48.65] were significantly associated with underweight among mental disorder patients.

Conclusion: The prevalence of underweight among adults with mental disorder was found to be higher than the other studies. Prevention of mental disorders is recommended, particularly for those with underweight individuals, especially those from rural areas with severe sleeping problems, and promoting awareness on alcohol use prevention among these patients

Index case partner and family HIV testing and associated factors at public health facilities in Dire Dawa City Administration, Eastern Ethiopia

Wondwossen Taye Debela — 2023-06-30

Background: HIV/AIDS continue to kill people and cause morbidity around the world. In Ethiopia an estimated a significant number of people with HIV infection remain undiagnosed, despite the massive increase of HIV testing services (HTS). Everyone who has been exposed to HIV by the index case will be offered an HIV test as part of index testing. This study was aimed to assess the proportion and associated factors of partner and family-based HIV testing among patient on ART at Public health facilities in Dire Dawa city, Ethiopia.
Method: Facility based cross sectional study design using quantitative data collection was conducted from May, 1- 30, 2023. A total of 389 study people living on ART were selected using systematic random sampling techniques using unique ART number. Structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. The questionnaire was developed on Kobo tool- box platform. The data was exported to and analyzed using SPSS version 27.
Result: A total of 389 index cases were participated in this study with a response rate of 99.2%. The mean age (±SD) was 34.57 (±6.82) years. Among the respondents’ partner and children, 323 and 183 respectively were elicited for HIV testing. Out of the 323 elicited partners, 197(60.1%) were tested, whereas out of the 183 elicited children 183(100%) were tested for HIV. Concerning the sex sharing of index cases who were tested their partner most of them 222(57.1%) were female. About 325 (83.5 %) have disclosed their HIV status. The overall prevalence of index case partner and family HIV testing acceptance was 48.5% (95% CI: 43.3, 53.7). In the multivariable analysis: marital status (AOR= 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06), education level (AOR= 34.73;95% CI: 2.65, 45.36), substance usage (AOR= 2.71; 95% CI:1.30,5.63), duration with current partner (AOR= 0.25; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.96), and disclosure of’ sero-status to partners (AOR=32.42; 95% CI: 3.85, 72.94) were significantly associated with index case partner and family HIV testing.
Conclusion: This study showed that higher proportion of index cases partners were received ICT and significantly associated with educational level, duration stayed with partner, sero- status disclosure and length stayed on ART. Strengthening index cases' awareness, ART adherence, and facilitating HIV status disclosure are crucial for effective partner and family- based HIV testing services.

Investigation of Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, and Its Associated Factors Regarding Blood Donation among Healthcare Workers in Private and Government Hospitals in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia

Mehari H/mariam — 2023-06-30

Background: Blood donation is a critical component of healthcare systems, yet knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding blood donation among healthcare workers can vary significantly. This study investigates the KAP related to blood donation and associated sociodemographic factors among healthcare workers in private and government hospitals in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: The study used an institution-based cross-sectional design with stratified random sampling, allocating samples proportionally from each department. Data were collected via pre-tested self- administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26 software.
Result: The findings revealed that the magnitude of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding blood donation among participants was 78.0%, 79.2%, and 31.8%, respectively. Length of service as a healthcare worker (6-8 years) was significantly associated with increased knowledge (AOR=7.031; 95% CI=1.665-29.696) and a nine-fold increase in favorable attitudes towards blood donation (AOR=9.128; 95% CI=1.666-50.023). Additionally, motivation by others to donate blood was positively correlated with knowledge (AOR=2.443; 95% CI=1.166-5.119). Conversely, being male (AOR=2.153; 95% CI=1.127-4.111) and holding a Diploma qualification (AOR=0.173; 95% CI=0.097- 0.311) were significantly associated with the practice of blood donation.
Conclusions: The study found that healthcare workers in Dire Dawa have good knowledge and positive attitudes towards blood donation, but their actual participation is low. To improve blood donation practices, targeted interventions should focus on practical engagement and addressing gender disparities. Further research is needed to identify additional barriers to blood donation among these workers.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Antenatal Care in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia:

Elias Workie — 2023-06-30

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses significant health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HBV infection and its associated factors among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care in Dire Dawa, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dire Dawa from September 1 to October 30, 2023, involving 362 pregnant women selected through systematic random sampling from public and private hospitals. Data were gathered using structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with HBV infection, with a significance level set at P < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.
Results: The overall prevalence of HBV infection among the study population was found to be 6.9% (95% CI = 4.90-7.96). Factors significantly associated with HBV infection included educational status (AOR = 6.59; 95% CI = 1.49-28.27), history of previous delivery at a health facility (AOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.027-0.85), and being HIV positive (AOR = 13.6; 95% CI = 1.104-167.3).
Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in Dire Dawa is notable, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, particularly focusing on education and screening for at-risk populations. Enhanced awareness and preventive measures are essential to mitigate the transmission of HBV in this vulnerable group.